Pension reforms came in on the 6th April 2015, meaning that people approaching retirement have more choices about how to use their pension pots. For the first time, people will have the freedom to decide whether they buy an annuity, take a lump sum, or a mixture or both.

Citizens Advice Plymouth is one of 50 Pension Wise delivery centres providing face to face guidance across 500 locations in England and Wales which will help people to make sense of their pension choices.

Pension Wise guidance is also available on the phone from The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) and online by the Government. The 45 minute appointments will be tailored to the individual, taking into account the value of their pension and their plans for retirement.

The service is highlighting how to get the most out of a Pension Wise appointment. Preparation is key, with people knowing enough about their pension so that they can spend the appointment discussing their circumstances and options.

People approaching retirement should be aware of scams. Concerns about scams can be discussed separately with any Citizens Advice Service, with the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline and it will be included in your Pension Wise appointment.

Citizens Advice Plymouth has put together a guide on how to prepare for a face to face Pension Wise appointment.

Emma Handley, CEO Citizens Advice Plymouth said:

“Pension Wise will help people to make sense of their pensions choices. To make the most of a Pension Wise appointment, preparation is key – the more a trained guidance specialist knows about someone, the more they can tailor guidance to their needs. We know that getting together the right information can take a while."

“People are also worried that having access to their pension pot means they might be targeted by scammers. Citizens Advice already provides advice and support on scams. You can contact us to find out what to look out for or to report a possible scam.”

How to prepare for your appointment

Step one: what’s your pension pot worth?

The first thing you will need to know is the value of your pension. Here’s how you can find out:

Pension statement – you should get a statement through the post every year, detailing the value of your pension.

Pension provider website – some providers allow you to log in and view your statement online.

Step two: Find out if there are any terms and conditions attached to your pension.

Some pensions will have special conditions attached, such as penalties for drawing your pension earlier than planned.

Check your original paperwork for any terms and conditions.

Or contact your pension provider for information.

Step three: find out how much state pension you’ll receive

State pensions vary from person to person, and depend on things like how many years you have been in employment. From April 2015, the most you will get will be £115.95 per week. Calculate your state pension by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/calculate-state-pension

Step four: think about your circumstances

Some people enter retirement without any pressures, while others may be paying off debts or supporting their children financially. You may also have other income to consider, such as benefits. Think about any immediate financial needs, and any future needs you anticipate, such as care costs.

Step five: How do you want to spend your retirement?

Many people look forward to a change in lifestyle at retirement. It’s important that you consider the costs of any essentials, such as housing, energy and food, along with leisure time and one-off costs like home improvements. This should help you come up with a realistic sense of your expenditure, and what income you need.

Step six: Bring just the relevant information with you

Pension Wise appointments last around 45 minutes, so you don’t want to spend that time searching through 30 years of statements. Bring just what’s relevant, for example: your most recent statement, giving you more time to discuss your options and next steps.

How to get help from Pension Wise:

People approaching retirement with a defined contribution pension pot will be able to get help from Pension Wise: